NATO Special Representative Javier Colomina Visits Qatar to Deepen Regional Security Ties

NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, Javier Colomina, conducted an official visit to Qatar from October 19 to 21, 2026, to engage with Qatari leadership and speak at the Global Security Forum.

During his visit, Colomina held talks with Qatar's Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Jasim bin Mohammed Al-Mannai; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi; and Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari, adviser to the Prime Minister and spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions focused on regional security developments, enhancing Qatar's resilience through practical cooperation, and further developing bilateral relations between NATO and the country. Colomina praised the existing cooperation and reaffirmed NATO's intention to strengthen the partnership.

Speaking at the Global Security Forum in Doha, Colomina stated that NATO’s southern neighbourhood plays a significant role in Euro-Atlantic security, citing the expertise and regional insights of its partners. He underscored the need for strong alliances in an evolving security landscape.

Colomina also welcomed progress on four flagship projects between NATO and the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI). Launched by Allied leaders at the Ankara summit in July, these initiatives focus on maritime security, counter-unmanned aerial systems, defence against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, and counter-terrorism. Qatar has been a member of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative since 2005.

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